Crash Investigation Pauses Flights in South Dakota

A January 4th crash of a B-1B Lancer aircraft has halted flight operations at Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota, waiting for investigators to continue processing and recovering its remains.

The pause has lasted the better part of a month, with the runway closed through at least the 19th, if not longer. While initial reports made it sound as if the B-1 crew ejected in mid-air, the aircraft was number two in a 2-ship formation coming in to land. During the landing, the crew ejected, leaving the plane to leave the runway.

The battered, forlorn remains of the B-1 portray an aircraft that's effectively destroyed, if rumored pics from the field accurately portray it. The Air Force has yet to officially weigh in on how salvageable the plane is, though it wouldn't be the most outlandish thing to see them try and bring it back to life - after the crash, only 44 remain airworthy, and it continues to be a potent element of the USAF bomber arsenal.

In an address, command staff of the local bomber wing reminded those following the incident to be patient with the investigation process.

FMI: www.af.mil